The Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) is a set of standard protocols that allow remote access software from different vendors to interoperate. A PPP-enabled connection can dial into remote networks through any industry-standard PPP server. PPP also permits a remote access server to receive calls from, and provide network access to, other vendors' remote access software that complies with the PPP standards.
The PPP standards also permit advanced features that are not available with older standards such as SLIP. PPP supports several authentication methods, as well as data compression and encryption. With most PPP implementations, you can automate the entire logon sequence.
PPP also supports multiple LAN protocols. You can use TCP/IP or IPX as your network protocol. The IPX/SPX protocol is not available on
PPP is the basis for the PPTP and L2TP protocols, which are used in secure virtual private network (VPN) connections.
PPP is the primary standard for most remote access computing.
This section covers: